Nigeria's economic activity grew at a rapid pace in December 2025, driven by a sharp improvement in business conditions, as the composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) climbed to 57.6 points, its strongest level in almost five years, indicating broad-based growth in the economy at the end of the year.
The December 2025 PMI survey released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the composite index remains above the 50-point benchmark that separates expansion from contraction, reflecting sustained momentum in domestic economic activity. This reading points to strengthening production, demand and employment conditions, underscoring the faster pace of economic expansion compared to previous months.
The report showed that growth was driven by continued expansion in key job-creating sectors. Agriculture was the strongest performer, with the PMI recording a reading of 58.5, underscoring resilient agricultural production and related activities. Industrial activity also strengthened, with the PMI rising to 57.0 points, supported by improving production levels and supply conditions. The services sector remained in expansion territory at 51.9 points, indicating sustained growth in trade and consumer-facing activities during the month.
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According to the survey, 32 out of 36 subsectors recorded record expansion in key indicators including output, new trade orders and employment. The CBN said this performance reflected a steady recovery in domestic demand and improving productive activity, especially in non-oil sectors of the economy, as companies responded to improved order flows and reduced operating constraints.
The apex bank attributed the strong PMI performance to the positive impact of ongoing macroeconomic stabilization measures aimed at improving the operating environment for businesses and restoring confidence across the economy. The CBN said these reforms continue to support job creation, increase production capacity and strengthen optimism among businesses about future economic prospects, especially in the last quarter of 2025.
In a statement signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, the CBN said the December PMI readings reinforce expectations of a stable and improving growth outlook as Nigeria enters the new year, with continued expansion in sectors providing support for macroeconomic recovery and resilience.
